"Her smiles, her enthusiasm, and her daily hugs made our restaurant more than just a restaurant. It made us part of Freia's family," another McDonald's employee said.

David spent her entire career at McDonald's as a jack-of-all trades — cleaning tables, refilling ketchup and doing her favorite: making fries.

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"I'm so grateful she could stay at this McDonald's for so long," said Freia's mom, Annelise David, 90.

Freia David began working at the restaurant in 1984 through a program that placed adults with cognitive disabilities in community jobs. Two of her peers didn't complete the six-month training course, but David soon became a mainstay.

Her passion to work led to many customers becoming friends, some of whom say are sad to see her go.

"She used to look for me as I was coming across the driveway," said an employee named Oscar. "When she saw me she jumped up before I even got there to hold the door open. And I thought you know, that was so wonderful."